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У результаті аналізу відомостей про об’єкти геологічної спадщини, напрацьованих у процесі їхнього дослідження, на відповідність офіційним джерелам виявлено значні розбіжності, різноплановість інформації щодо назв, наборів ознак (атрибутів) та недостатність її для ідентифікації об’єктів. Визначено основні засади геоінформаційної системи об’єктів геологічної спадщини України та обґрунтовано пропозиції щодо класифікації й створення бази даних об’єктів геологічної спадщини, що узгоджуються із законодавчими та нормативно-правовими актами України. Обґрунтовано набір відомостей (атрибутів) щодо об’єктів геологічної спадщини для наповнення бази даних., As a result of the analysis of information on geological heritage objects, developed in the process of its research, according to official sources, significant discrepancies, diversity of information on names, sets of features (attributes), and its insufficiency for identification of objects were revealed. The basic principles of the geoinformation system of geological heritage objects of Ukraine are determined and the proposals on classification and creation of the database of geological heritage objects, which are coordinated with the legislative and normative-legal acts of Ukraine, are substantiated. A reasonable set of information (attributes) about geological heritage objects to fill the database.

Demnate commune and High-Tessaout valley are located in the Moroccan central High-Atlas. They have a great and much diversified geological and geomorphological heritage and exceptional landscapes of high mountains. The data obtained from the current work indicate that the studied area present high tourist vocation, in the fact that this territory preserves a large number of geosites linked to many witnesses fossils of extinct animals such dinosaurs footprints, outcropping rock formations of the Precambrian and Mesozoic. Further, it has many remarkable landforms and geosites such as canyons, natural bridge, spectacular waterfalls and scree slopes. The findings support that the area attracts many tourists every year. However, this number remains restricted due to the lack of tools of promotion and mediation of its geoheritage and also due to the low exploitation of the geodiversity. Regarding this situation, geotouristic routes represented on touristic map appear as an essential tool for geotourism promotion and as an efficient means of geosciences popularisation. This paper illustrates three geotouristic routes describing the main geosites in rural areas of Demnate and High-Tessaout valley. These geotourism itineraries can help to explain the high potential interest of the studied areas in geotourism terms.

Geotourism is becoming a well established form of tourism based on the geological environment. It offers a new form of sustainable tourism which is more holistic then previous niche forms of tourism. However, with more people than ever visiting natural areas worldwide, the cumulative impacts of visitors on geological sites is increasing. This paper surveys visitor impacts and site management at geological sites which are geotourism destinations. We describe geotourism which is the engine driving the core activities of conservation, education and sustainable development in geoparks. We then outline some lessons learned from management in dealing with visitor impacts at a heavily visited geopark in Taiwan, a volcano in Indonesia, and a coastal World Heritage site in England. The importance of education is emphasized for geo-climbing in Spain and all-terrain vehicles in Poland. A number of site management approaches are noted, including the importance of guiding as a management strategy as well as the value of a positive involvement by the local community. Finally, some examples are given of the risks associated with tourism activities in volcanic areas as well as related appropriate management activities.

The purpose of this paper was to study the influence of cartographic scale and flight design on data acquisition using unmanned aerial systems (UASs) to create augmented reality 3D geovisualization of geosites. The relationship between geographical and cartographic scales, the spatial resolution of UAS-acquired images, along with their relationship with the produced 3D models of geosites, were investigated. Additionally, the lighting of the produced 3D models was examined as a key visual variable in the 3D space. Furthermore, the adaptation of the 360° panoramas as environmental lighting parameters was considered. The geosite selected as a case study was the gorge of the river Voulgaris in the western part of the island of Lesvos, which is located in the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea in Greece. The methodology applied consisted of four pillars: (i) scale-variant flight planning, (ii) data acquisition, (iii) data processing, (iv) AR, 3D geovisualization. Based on the geographic and cartographic scales, the flight design calculates the most appropriate flight parameters (height, speed, and image overlaps) to achieve the desired spatial resolution (3 cm) capable of illustrating all the scale-variant details of the geosite when mapped in 3D. High-resolution oblique aerial images and 360° panoramic aerial images were acquired using scale-variant flight plans. The data were processed using image processing algorithms to produce 3D models and create mosaic panoramas. The 3D geovisualization of the geosite selected was created using the textured 3D model produced from the aerial images. The panoramic images were converted to high-dynamic-range image (HDRI) panoramas and used as a background to the 3D model. The geovisualization was transferred and displayed in the virtual space where the panoramas were used as a light source, thus enlightening the model. Data acquisition and flight planning were crucial scale-variant steps in the 3D geovisualization. These two processes comprised the most important factors in 3D geovisualization creation embedded in the virtual space as they designated the geometry of the 3D model. The use of panoramas as the illumination parameter of an outdoor 3D scene of a geosite contributed significantly to its photorealistic performance into the 3D augmented reality and virtual space.

Interest in geoheritage research has grown over the past 25 years and several countries have issued laws to encourage improvement and conservation. Investigations on geosites are prevalently carried out on land environments, although the study of underwater marine environments is also of paramount scientific importance. Nevertheless, due to the constraints of underwater environments, these sites have been little explored, also on account of the higher costs and difficulties of surveying. This research has identified and assessed the terrestrial and marine geosites of the Portofino Natural Park and Protected Marine Area, which are internationally famous owing to both the land scenic features and the quality of the marine ecosystem. The goal was to pinpoint the most suitable sites for tourist improvement and fruition and identify possible connections between the two environments. In all, 28 terrestrial sites and 27 marine sites have been identified and their scientific value as well as their ecological, cultural, and aesthetic importance has been assessed. In addition, accessibility, services, and economic potential of geosites has also been taken into account. Both the updated database of terrestrial and marine geosites in the Portofino protected areas and the assessment procedure adopted can become useful tools for the managers of these sites and provide decision-makers with possible strategies for tourist development.

The recognition, selection and quantitative assessment of sites of geological and geomorphological interest are fundamental steps in any environmental management focused on geoconservation and geotourism promotion. The island of Malta, in the central Mediterranean Sea, despite having a steadily increasing growth in population and tourism, still conserves geological and geomorphological features of great relevance and interest, both for their contribution to the understanding of the geological processes acting through time on landscape and for their aesthetic importance. The present work proposes an inventory for northern Malta, through three main stages, with the outcome of a final list of geosites that have the potential to be recognized as both natural heritage and tourist resources with potential economic benefits. In particular, the assessment methodology applied combines scientific value and additional and use-values, showing the links existing between geoheritage and other aspects of nature and culture of the sites. The results provide useful knowledge for the definition of strategies aimed at the development of a sustainable and responsible tourism., peer-reviewed

A avaliação quantitativa de valoração do patrimônio geológico tem se demonstrado uma relevante ferramenta para delinear estratégias de geoconservação, sobretudo em áreas extensas e com escassez de recursos. A área selecionada para este estudo corresponde a uma região socioeconomicamente vulnerável no semiárido do estado do Ceará, nordeste do Brasil, e contempla um conjunto de 52 sítios geológicos representativos da evolução geodinâmica do Domínio Ceará Central. Com o intuito de delinear estratégias de geoconservação pertinentes a realidade local, este trabalho teve por objetivo identi car quais os geossítios prioritários no plano de gestão. Para tanto, foi utilizado o método de avaliação quantitativa integrado na plataforma GEOSSIT do Serviço Geológico do Brasil, tendo sido avaliado o valor científico, o risco de degradação, o potencial uso educativo e turístico e as prioridades de proteção. Os resultados indicaram que os geossítios inventariados possuem alto valor científico, que existe predominância de geossítios com risco moderado de degradação e predomínio de valores medianos para o potencial uso educativo e turístico. Três listas de sítios prioritários foram de nidas, considerando apenas os locais com alto valor cientí co e potencial uso relevante. No final, foi possível identificar e justificar quatro territórios estratégicos para a geoconservação na porção centro-norte do Domínio Ceará Central., Quantitative assessment of geological sites has been demonstrated as a consistent tool in order to delineate geoconservation strategies, especially for large areas with scarce resources. The working area is located in a vulnerable region in north-eastern Brazil characterised by low socioeconomic conditions. This area comprises an assemblage of 52 geological sites (geosites and geodiversity sites) representing the geodynamic evolution of the Ceará Central Domain, one of the oldest tectonic terranes in Brazil. In this perspective, this work aimed to identify priority sites for geoconservation actions. All geological sites were evaluated by a quantitative assessment concerning the scientific value, the degradation risk, the educational and touristic potential uses and the protection priorities. The assessments were performed by the method available on the GEOSSIT platform developed by Brazilian Geological Survey. Results indicate geological sites with high scientific value, predominance of geosites with moderate degradation risk and medium values for educational and touristic potential uses. Three sorted lists were defined considering only geological sites with high scientific value (geosites) and relevant potential uses. At the end, four priority areas were delineated for a detailed geoconservation plan in the centre-north portion of Ceará Central Domain., Bolsa de mobilidade acadêmica CAPES Programa PDSE/Processo n° 88881.132168/2016-01, info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

20th Congress of the International Union for Quaternary Research (INQUA). Dublin, 25th and 31st July 2019, Abstract, The basic information of geological maps about formations sometimes needs other kind of complementary data that helps to inform about significant subjects such as the relationship between the formations and the internal and external geodynamic, to indicate geological materials that cannot be represented with their real dimension at the map scale, but singular, or to highlight remarkable sites of special science interest. As a general rule, the usefulness of complementary data will increase as the scale of the map decreases and as the geological complexity and diversity of the territory rises. Adding information about active faults to the Quaternary Map of Spain is not a simple cosmetic exercise. In the SE of Spain there is a set of small intermountain sedimentary basins originated during the upper Miocene (Tortonian) with continuous deposition until the Pleistocene (basins of Granada, Guadix - Baza, etc.) and related to sets of faults of the Betic orogen (Iberian – Africa plate boundary). Therefore, the Quaternary-Active Fault Database of Iberia or QAFI is an important source of complementary data for the Quaternary Map of Spain and helps to understand these tectonic relations (Figure 1). The QAFI is an inventory of faults showing evidence of activity during the Quaternary. The QAFI is a project created, supported and periodically updated on the basis of the available scientific literature by the Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (IGME, Spain) and the Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia (LNEG, Portugal). To catalogue geosites of interest has been a usual task of the IGME in recent decades. The IGME, in collaboration with experts from other scientific institutions, has also developed the "Global Geosite Project” (IUGS - UNESCO) in Spain, result of which was the selection of 20 geological frameworks of international significance for conservation. One of these frameworks is named “Vertebrate deposits of the Spanish Pliocene and Pleistocene” and it includes 20 selected paleontological sites, most of them in karstic environments, spread out from the north (Cantabrian Mountains and Pyrinees) to the south (Betic range), with a great faunal diversity and an almost a continuous record of the Quaternary (Figure 2). These deposits are the minimum of key sites that should be indicated in the maps of the Quaternary of Spain and in the European one. Quaternary glaciers of the Spanish mountains were small and scattered, except in Piryenees. and their moraines are impossible to represent at the map scale. Therefore, the limits of the last glacial maximum is an important dataset for the Quaternary Map of Spain and the only way to show these glaciated areas., Instituto Geológico y Minero de España, España, Geolag, España

On 2015, Imbabura province submitted its candidacy to be recognized as UNESCO World Geopark; after a first assessment and after having accepted the suggestions made by the evaluation committee; the final Dossier was presented in February 2018. The Imbabura Geopark Project brings together nine volcanic complexes; the name is associated with the historical, cultural and linguistic roots of the province where the Kichwa language and traditional indigenous customs are still considered as everyday values. The project is a participatory process that seeks to consolidate its cultural identity based on the recognition, respect and conservation of its geological, archaeological, culture, with the different ways of life, Cosmo visions, customs, and traditions of such people, for the implementation of a model of sustainable territorial development that leads its population to a better quality of life. La provincia de Imbabura, en el año 2015 presentó su candidatura para ser reconocida como Geoparque Mundial de la UNESCO; luego de una primera valoración y después de haber acogido las sugerencias hechas por la comisión evaluadora, se presentó el dossier definitivo en febrero del 2018. El proyecto Geoparque Imbabura reúne nueve complejos volcánicos, el nombre se asocia con las raíces históricas, culturales y lingüísticas de la provincia donde el idioma kichwa y las costumbres tradicionales indígenas siguen siendo valores de uso cotidiano. El proyecto es un proceso participativo que busca consolidar su identidad cultural, fundamentada en el reconocimiento, respeto y conservación de su patrimonio geológico, arqueológico, cultural, con las formas de vida, cosmovisiones, costumbres y tradiciones de sus habitantes, para la implementación de un modelo de desarrollo territorial sustentable, que lleve a su población a una mejor calidad de vida.

The focus of this research is to develop a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the geosites and mining sites present in the Zaruma Portovelo mining district (Ecuador).

Le présent travail, se réfère à la chaîne volcanique du Moyen Atlas qui présente un intérêt géologique et pédagogique important (laboratoire volcanologique à ciel ouvert), ce qui doit être valorisé à des fins éducatives, récréatives et écotouristiques en vue d’un développement durable local et national. Notre point de vue est résolument didactique, c’est à dire que nos analyses sont centrées sur les résultats contenues dans des questionnaires distribués à la fois auprès des élèves de la 2émeannée du cycle secondaire collégial appartenant à Six collèges publics des régions de Meknès et de Salé, et des futurs enseignants des Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre (SVT) du Centre Régional des Métiers de l’Éducation et de la Formation (CRMEF) Meknès. Cet article a pour objectifs de :Présenter ce patrimoine volcanique du Moyen Atlas, dans son cadre naturel et géologique; Mettre en valeur ce géosite méconnu du grand public; Apporter un éclairage sur les résultats des enquêtes; Proposer des recommandations et perspectives qui permettraient de poursuivre d’autres finalités susceptibles de faire connaître et partager au grand public ce géosite, afin de sensibiliser à sa conservation pour des fins pédagogiques, scientifiques et écotouristiques.

Dissertação de mestrado em Geociências (área de especialização em Património Geológico e Geoconservação), Este trabalho tem como tema principal o património geológico do Parque Nacional da Peneda- Gerês (PNPG), tendo como objetivos a avaliação do seu valor turístico e a proposta de medidas para a valorização turística dos geossítios. Foram identificados todos os geossítios do PNPG inventariados em trabalhos anteriores. A estes foram adicionados outros sete que evidenciam atratividade turística associada a elementos da geodiversidade. Esses 168 geossítios foram alvo de uma primeira avaliação para seleção dos principais geossítios com potencial valor turístico, a qual teve por base os critérios “presença de visitantes”, “promoção na internet”, “existência de promoção por parte dos municípios, centros de interpretação e Portas do Parque” e “estética”. Foram selecionados 18 geossítios, os quais foram alvo de avaliação quantitativa mais detalhada e que envolveu trabalho de campo e pesquisa relacionada com os critérios “disponibilidade”, “uso”, “logística” e “sentidos” e com subcritérios associados. Desta avaliação, concluiu-se que o geossítio com valor turístico mais elevado no PNPG é o Miradouro da Pedra Bela, com 76,7% da pontuação máxima possível. O geossítio Sete Lagoas foi o menos pontuado, com apenas 42%. Os restantes geossítios obtiveram pontuações entre os 50 e os 75%, possuindo um valor turístico moderado. Constatou-se que o critério “logística” foi o menos pontuado, o que se pode justificar pelo facto de equipamentos de suporte ao turismo não serem prioritários em áreas protegidas. Tendo em conta os resultados e as especificidades de cada geossítio e de cada critério usado na avaliação, propuseram-se medidas de valorização, as quais procuram estabelecer melhores condições de visitação e de promoção do património geológico, sem colocar em risco os valores naturais do PNPG., The main topic of this research is the geoheritage of the Peneda-Gerês National Park (PNPG). The objectives are the assessment of its tourism value and the proposal of actions for the tourism valorization of geosites. All the PNPG geosites inventoried in previous works were identified. Besides, other seven were added because of their tourist attractiveness related with elements of geodiversity. These 168 sites were the subject of an first assessment aiming the selection of the geosites with the highest potential tourism value. The criteria used were "presence of visitors", "promotion on the internet", "existence of promotion by municipalities, in interpretative centres and in the Portas do Parque (Park’s Doors)", and" aesthetics". 18 geosites were selected and were subjected to a more detailed quantitative assessment, which included fieldwork and research related to "availability", "use", "logistics" and "senses" criteria and related subcriteria. It was concluded that the geosite with the highest tourism value in PNPG is Miradouro da Pedra Bela, with 76.7% of the maximum possible score. The Sete Lagoas geosite had the lowest score, with only 42%. The remaining geosites obtained scores between 50 and 75%, having a moderate tourism value. The "logistic" criterion was the less valued, which is justified by the fact that tourism infrastructures are not a priority in protected areas. Taking into account the results and specificities of each geosite and each assessment criterion, valorization actions were proposed, which aim to establish better conditions for tourism visitation and promotion of the geoheritage, without endangering the natural values of PNPG.

At the beginning of 2019, the Apuan Alps UGGp produced a new leaflet that is meant to promote 9 geotrails celebrating the geological and cultural heritage of the Geopark. These geotrails are footpaths with varying travel times (from one hour or less, up to a maximum of one day) and difficulty rating (easy, moderate and difficult). They are suitable for both families with children and experienced hikers and are equipped with explanatory panels. The geotrails' locations are shown in a simplified map that offers visitors a comprehensive geographical awareness by highlighting the main geosites, main access roads and railway stations and other tourist points of interest. The geotrails can be divided according to their main geological and geomorphological meaning. All the described footpaths offer the possibility to discover places full of geology, culture and evocative landscapes in the wild nature of the Apuan Alps.

From a large database generated from the geological heritage of more than 100 geosites in four natural areas of Salamanca, &Aacute, vila, and C&aacute, ceres provinces (Spain), the 13 most representative sites were selected, and their scientific, educational, and tourist/cultural interest values were determined. The natural park of Batuecas-Sierra de Francia-Candelario presents the highest values and is followed by the natural park of Arribes del Duero. Using geomatic tools, digital information was compiled from different thematic layers, and, together with photographs, diagrams, and descriptive cards, was incorporated to produce didactic resources. By interacting with digital information using the free Google Earth platform, 3D virtual flights, which can be followed in real time, were established and implemented in different formats (mpeg, avi, wma, etc.). These are reproducible in different multimedia systems, which increases the possibility of educational and tourism use by broad layers of the population. Therefore, this favors the sustainable development of the area.

El proyecto Geoparque Minero Litoral del Biobío queda enmarcado en el borde costero de la Región del Biobío en Chile, enfocado en explicar la historia geológica acontecida en él. El valor científico, educativo y turístico es aún desconocido para la comunidad, motivo por el cual dicho proyecto busca, el hacer énfasis en la puesta en valor de este patrimonio geológico y su articulación con la comunidad. The project Mining Geopark Litoral del Biobío is framed in the coastal edge of the Biobío Region in Chile, focused on explaining the geological history of the region through its. The scientific, educational and touristic value is still unknown to the community, which is why this project seeks to emphasize the enhancement of this geological heritage and its articulation with the community.

Pliocene body fossils from Santa Maria Island, Azores, have been studied for decades, but only more recently have ichnofossils received their due attention. Calcareous Pliocene deposits from the Baia de Nossa Senhora section contain numerous, diverse, well-preserved natural casts of invertebrate borings. The study of this type of fossils adds to knowledge on the dispersal of benthic faunas across oceans to volcanic oceanic islands. The borings belong to seven ichnogenera and twenty-two ichnotaxa at the ichnospecies level with more than half pertaining to Entobia, which is produced by clionaid sponges. Other borings found were produced by bivalves (Gastrochaenolites), polychaete worms (Caulostrepsis and Maeandropolydora), sipunculid worms (Trypanites), phoronid worms (Talpina) and ctenostome bryozoans (Iramena). The occurrence, ichnogeny, distribution and preservational state of the borings suggest that the bearing bioclasts have been exposed for several years on the sea floor. The borings derive from different bathymetric zones on the shelf, and their formation took place during several bioerosional phases. The association of borings belongs to the Entobia ichnofacies, which is typical of carbonate rocky shores, and shows close similarity to those described from the Paratethys, Mediterranean and partly the eastern Atlantic regions. This fits the idea that most of the Neogene shallow-water marine fauna in the Azores is biogeographically related to the eastern Atlantic shores.

Travel itineraries are fundamental in the development of tourism of a given area. Traditional thematic routes (e.g., architectural, archaeological) can be significantly improved and optimized by including geological and mining interest sites. The present study offers an analysis of the influence that inclusion of geosites or mining sites could have on the existing routes of the Zaruma-Portovelo region (Ecuador), together with a global assessment of these itineraries as the basis of fostering local development in communities of the region. The methodology consists of the following stages: (i) compilation of existing travel itineraries, (ii) analysis and assessment of those geosites and mining sites that are included in two geotouristic routes through the Spanish Inventory of Places of Geological Interest method (IELIG, acronym in Spanish), but have not been assessed previously, (iii) assessment of existing routes (two geotouristic routes and one geomining route) from a global perspective through the Geotouristic Route Assessment Matrix method (GtRAM, acronym in Spanish), and (iv) definition of strategies for the development and promotion of travel itineraries within the context of geotourism. According to the results of quantitative assessment, three new sites (both geosites and mining sites) were studied and their obtained score of interest was “High” (164/400). The existing routes achieved good results both from the geological-mining perspective “High” score of (189/400) and within a global context “Very High” score of (3.5/5). The quantitative assessment allowed us to propose improvement strategies to disseminate and use these itineraries to unfold sustainable development based on geotourism.

This paper explores problems associated with explanation of geoheritage at the landscape scale and argues that focus on individual geosites that show rock outcrops or small-scale landforms may not be sufficient to tell the story. The area of Orlické–Bystrzyckie Mountains Block in Central Europe lacks spectacular landforms or large rock outcrops, and yet has a most interesting geological history that involved Mesozoic planation, Cretaceous marine transgression and the origin of sedimentary cover, Cenozoic differential uplift and the origin of tectonic topography, resultant fluvial incision and Quaternary periglaciation. Individual geosites documented in the area fail to show this complexity and give an incomplete picture. Therefore, viewpoint geosites, allowing for in situ interpretation of regional landscapes, have a role to play and they collectively illustrate the effects of the main stages of geological and geomorphological evolution. In addition, the potential of simple visualization technologies is investigated, as these 3D visualizations may enhance ground views, putting things into even broader perspective.

Khnefiss National Park has a very unique advantage of presenting three landscape morphologies of high quality: the coastal band, where the sea, dunes and cliffs mix, the lagoon zone, with its multiple interlacing water, algae and sand, and the vast desert, with its regs, hamadas, krebs, and dune extensions. It is unique and original at the world level for a protected area to retain in a single perimeter these three major ecosystems, which therefore gives this national park an exceptional quality. Khnefiss national park faces numerous natural, human-induced, institutional, organizational, and legal constraints. Hence, there is a need for a practical tool that would reconcile the imperatives of conservation, the demands of the local population, and tourism, and at the same time positively address the constraints that hamper the management of this geosite. Indeed, we will highlight a reflection that aims at clarifying the sense of this new trajectory in which Morocco is positioned in terms of interest development of geological heritage, the emergence of consumption of natural assets, and potentialities phenomenon according to regions. Therefore, all actions are based on values of citizenship, participative, responsibility, ethicality, and fairness. Indeed, the geosites have small to large scale characteristics (from ten meters to more than 10 km). The geosite inventory is based on the geoconservation strategy. Qualitative and quantitative assessments were carried out on the basis of geoheritage values of international significance. Thene, geoconservation efforts should be made in all these geosites for many reasons, such as valorization of academic research, preservation of natural resources, and promotion of geotourism in Khnefiss national park.

Geotourism represents a powerful and new form of sustainable tourism that has rapidly expanded worldwide over the last decades. To promote it, the use of digital and geomatic tools is becoming of increasing importance. Especially mobile information represents one of the most efficient and smart ways to bring geotourism closer to a wide audience. This applies in particular to rural and inner areas, where the exploitation of geoheritage can represent a crucial resource for eco-friendly and sustainable tourism development. With the aim to promote geotourism on a regional scale, we have implemented a mobile devise application for Molise region, tested in the Alto Molise area. This application, called MoGeo App, aims at providing diversified geotourism information that combines geologic attractions (geosites and geologic itineraries) with other possible tourist attractions (other sites of natural and cultural interest), to respond to differentiated interests and needs of a wide audience. Besides geotourism purposes, the structure of MoGeo App can be used also for other purposes such as educational targets, by adapting contents and language. It appears to be a flexible, easily updatable digital tool, adaptable to various target groups, as well as other regional contexts, both inside and outside of Italy.

The appropriate identification of the geoheritage resources of a specific area is the sine qua non of the development of geotourism. The identification of tourists&rsquo, perception of abiotic nature sites of high scientific value is also particularly important because it determines the possibility of using the potential of geosites. In the study, a detailed analysis was carried out of the assets of geological, geomorphological and hydrologic sites in the Central Roztocze region (SE Poland) comprising the central part of the proposed Geopark &ldquo, Stone Forest in Roztocze&rdquo, Data from the Polish Central Register of Geosites, the results of a geotourist assessment and questionnaire surveys were used in the analysis. These data indicate a high potential for geotourism development and consistency between scientific assessments and ratings from tourists. However, this potential is not used to a sufficient degree, while actions aimed at developing geotourism and establishing the Geopark are not appreciated by local authorities and institutions responsible for tourism development. The idea of geoparks and geotourism development is not supported by the State either, whether institutionally or financially. Based on the studies conducted, we propose practical measures that should be implemented to increase the use of the region&rsquo, s geotourist assets.